Additional National Insurance Benefits: What Else You Are Entitled To

Beyond the Basic Benefit: What Else You Can Receive

Recipients of general disability benefit may be entitled to additional benefits and allowances from the National Insurance Institute, many of which they are unaware of. Knowing all your entitlements can add thousands of shekels per month. According to National Insurance data, approximately 35% of recipients do not fully exercise their rights.

Among the key additional entitlements: mobility allowance, special services allowance, dependency supplement, income supplement, income tax exemption, and more. Each benefit is assessed separately and has different conditions. It is therefore recommended to check each one individually.

Mobility Allowance

Anyone with a mobility impairment that prevents them from using public transport may be entitled to a mobility allowance. The allowance is granted to those who meet the required mobility disability level and is calculated based on compensation for transport expenses.

Eligibility conditions: disability of at least 60% (with specific exceptions), inability to use public transport, and residence in a locality with insufficient accessibility. The allowance applies to three tiers: basic, enhanced, and full. The current rate ranges from approximately 1,200 to 3,500 NIS per month.

How to apply: submit a claim to the National Insurance branch with medical approval and employer approval (for employees). Submit in advance. A claim filed within 12 months of the injury allows retroactive payment.

Special Services Allowance

Anyone who performs fewer than six daily living activities (ADL) independently may be entitled to the special services allowance, which covers assistance with day-to-day activities. There are three tiers: 50%, 100%, and 150%. The rate is determined by the number of ADL activities that cannot be performed independently and the severity of the need.

The 150% rate (highest) is available to those who need around-the-clock assistance or in cases of severe disability affecting all areas of life. The 100% rate is for those who need significant assistance in a large part of their activities. The 50% rate is for moderate disability with partial assistance needs. Benefit amounts are updated annually and currently range from 2,000 to 6,000 NIS per month.

Dependency Supplement

Those who have a spouse and/or children receive a supplement to their benefit for each dependant. The supplement is calculated according to the number of dependants and the income situation. The supplement for a non-working spouse stands at approximately 900 NIS per month. The supplement for each child up to age 18 stands at approximately 500 NIS per month.

The dependency supplement is calculated based on the spouse’s income. If the spouse works and earns above a certain threshold, the supplement is reduced proportionally. It is important to verify with the National Insurance Institute the exact amounts after checking income.

Income Supplement

Those whose total income (including the benefit) is below a certain threshold may be entitled to an additional income supplement. Check with the National Insurance Institute. The income supplement functions as a safety net: it guarantees a minimum income and fills the gap between existing income and the amount set by law.

The income supplement threshold varies according to family status: single, couple without children, couple with children. Check with the National Insurance Institute what the relevant threshold is for your situation. An income supplement application can be filed at any time when the income situation changes.

Income Tax Exemption

Recipients of general disability benefit may be entitled to income tax credit points that reduce the tax liability on additional income. Check with the National Insurance Institute. The number of credit points depends on the disability percentage and type of benefit.

A person with 100% disability is entitled to a full income tax exemption on personal income up to a ceiling set by law. The exemption amounts to approximately 652,000 NIS per year (as of 2025 tax year). A person with partial disability is entitled to a proportional exemption. It is advisable to consult an accountant to maximize all entitlements.

Additional Benefits for Specific Conditions

Anyone whose disability resulted from a road accident may be entitled to additional National Insurance benefits beyond general disability. In addition, victims of hostile action are entitled to special benefits. Workers injured in a work accident are entitled to work disability benefit, which is usually higher than general disability.

Anyone receiving medication and medical devices may receive National Insurance participation at elevated rates. Check specifically with the National Insurance branch what equipment and treatments are recognized for reimbursement.

Steps to Filing a Claim for Additional Benefits: Practical Guide

Step one: gather all updated medical documentation reflecting your condition, including specialist opinions. Step two: go to the nearest National Insurance branch and request a meeting with a claims officer. Step three: present the documents and ask specifically about each type of benefit. Step four: complete the required forms accurately and in detail.

Step five: follow up on treatment of the claim. A claim not handled within 30 days earns interest. Step six: if the claim is rejected, file an appeal within 60 days. An appeal is submitted to the appeals committee at the National Insurance branch. Step seven: if the appeal is rejected, you may petition the regional labour court.

Common Mistakes in Filing Claims

First mistake: filing a claim without prior legal advice. Many applicants do not know they should consult a National Insurance lawyer before filing, to ensure submitting the correct claim with the appropriate documentation.

Second mistake: not applying for all possible benefits. Most people apply only for the benefit they know about and miss out on additional entitlements. Third mistake: waiting too long after initial rejection. Approximately 30% of initially rejected claims are later approved on appeal. Fourth mistake: delay in filing. Late filing may reduce the right to retroactive payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both mobility allowance and special services allowance simultaneously?

Yes. These are separate benefits with different criteria. Both can be received if you meet the eligibility conditions of each. The National Insurance Institute does not restrict receiving multiple different benefits simultaneously.

What should I do if the National Insurance examiner visits my home and finds improvement?

A home visit is a legitimate process. If the examiner finds your condition has improved, you will receive notice of an intention to reduce the benefit before the change is implemented. You have the right to file an objection. You can attach an updated medical opinion that contradicts the findings.

Can I work and receive general disability benefit?

Yes, up to a certain amount. General disability benefit does not preclude the right to work, but income from work above a certain threshold reduces the benefit proportionally. Under the law, a disabled worker can earn up to approximately 5,500 NIS per month (as of 2025) without affecting the benefit. Higher income reduces the benefit proportionally.

What is the difference between the National Insurance nursing allowance and general disability benefit?

These are two separate benefits with different criteria. The nursing allowance is designated for the elderly over 65 who are unable to care for themselves. General disability benefit is designated for people of working age (18-67) with a disability that reduces their work capacity. The eligibility criteria, benefit level, and calculation method differ between the two.

Can a lawyer help obtain additional benefits?

Yes, and in many cases significantly so. A lawyer specialising in National Insurance can identify unexploited entitlements, prepare claims correctly, represent at medical committees and in court. Legal service fees are usually contingent on the additional benefits that can be obtained.

What is the connection between disability benefit and certain benefits such as a driving licence?

A disability benefit does not automatically include the right to a driving licence. The disability that qualifies for the benefit is not necessarily the same disability relevant to driving. Each case is assessed separately. Consult an occupational physician who can certify fitness to drive even with an existing disability.

For assistance in exercising all your rights, contact a National Insurance lawyer at the Lev-Taieb firm: 072-2428822.